Capt. Brian Erickson was the U.S. Coast Guard’s first Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO). He left the role on May 17 to serve as Deputy Director of the DHS Presidential Transition Office until he’s set to retire from government service in March 2025. An engineer by background, he has extensive experience in both aviation operations (search and rescue, law enforcement) and strategic planning. Erickson focuses on harnessing data and AI across the Coast Guard to improve decision-making and mission effectiveness. He holds a Master’s degree in both Aerospace Engineering and Business Administration.